Netgear’s quad-band WiFi 6E mesh router will set you back $1,500
How much will you pay for one of the fastest home wireless networks possible? More than you pay for your computer or phone? If so, Netgear has your solution. The company has introduced what it says is the first quad-band WiFi 6E network network system, Orbi Quad-band Mesh WiFi 6E. Pay $ 1,500 is surprising for three packages and you will get 10.8Gbps from total bandwidth at 2.4GHz, 5GHz and now 6GHz band, plus backhaul band (on ‘only’ wifi 6 speeds) to maintain the main frequency. Your home network can easily exceed your internet connection, even if you have multi-gigabit services.
There are some improvements outside of pure speed. The three units bundles offer around 9,000 square feet of maximum coverage (up from 7,500sq. Ft. For WiFi 6 models), and the Ethernet WAN port now supports up to 10Gbps. Thus, there are more 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports on routers and satellites to increase bandwidth for cable devices. You can make up to four different WiFi networks, including only 6E networks to ensure newer devices running at full speed.
Quad-band Orbi routers are available for pre-order now, with expected delivery “on time for vacation” (Netgear’s store quotes the ship date October 29). You can also buy additional satellites each for $ 599. It’s a large amount to spend on your home network, but NetGear clearly rely on at least some customers who will pay anything to get wifi without compromise. Just know there are some pretty good alternatives. The AXE8400 Linksys does not have a backhaul band, but the option one and two knots (plus the lower overall price) can make it a better choice if you are more interested in compatibility of wifi 6E rather than raw throughput.